Swimmer's ear is a painful infection of the ear canal. The ear tends to be tender when tugged or touched. It occurs more often after swimming as water gets trapped in the ear and promotes growth of certain germs. After a prolonged bout of swimming, consider a simple step of prevention: Place 2-3 drops of a 1:1 solution of plain vinegar and rubbing alcohol. The solution helps restore the slightly acidic pH of the ear which helps ward off infection. It also encourages the ear to dry more quickly. Do not place this solution in your child's ear if he or she has ear tubes, a perforated ear drum, or any ear drainage. Also, keep in mind swimmer's ear is different from a middle ear infection which tends to be associated with colds and/or allergies.
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